More ASF outbreaks in Russia

The Russian veterinary service Rosselhozndzor has reported two further outbreaks of African Swine Fever (ASF) in Pskov Oblast and at a farm in Smolensk Oblast.

One wild boar was found dead in Pskov Oblast on 27 June. In Smolensk Oblast, a total of 387 pigs were found susceptible, out of which five cases were reported. All five affected pigs were reportedly found dead. No animals were destroyed or slaughtered, according to the report by Rosselhoznadzor.

Tests such as real-time PCR and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were conducted on 14, 15 and 16 July. All tests confirmed the presence of the ASF virus. The source of the outbreaks remains inconclusive.

Also a new case of ASF has been detected in a backyard pig operation in Pskov Oblast. One pig was affected at the farm in Ivanovo, Nevelsky district of the Pskov Oblast.

Experts warn that the spread of ASF is gaining momentum at the North-West part of the country, where previously there were not many outbreaks of the disease. In recent weeks the disease has been moving closer to the territory of the Liningrad Oblast, where large industrial pig farms are located. Also the disease is moving closer to the border with Finland.